Serum persistent organic pollutants and diminished ovarian reserve: a single-exposure and mixture exposure approach from a French case-control study.

STUDY QUESTION: Are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) associated with a diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) in women of reproductive age? SUMMARY ANSWER: Amongst 17 POPs detected in over 20% of serum samples, only p,p'-DDE was significantly associated with an increased risk of DOR, and ß-hexachlorocyclohexane (ß-HCH) was significantly associated with a decreased risk of DOR whilst mixture analyses yielded non-significant associations and did not detect any interactions between POPs. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Animal studies have shown that several POPs can alter folliculogenesis and increase follicle depletion. However, only a few studies have been conducted in humans, with small sample sizes and inconsistent results. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Our study included 138 cases and 151 controls from the AROPE case-control study. Study participants were women between 18 and 40 years of age recruited amongst couples consulting for infertility in four fertility centres in western France between 2016 and 2020. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Cases of DOR were defined as women with anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels ≤1.1 ng/ml and/or antral follicle count (AFC) <7, and controls were women with AMH levels between 1.1 and 5 ng/ml and AFC ≥ 7, without genital malformations and with a menstrual cycle length between 26 and 35 days. A total of 43 POPs (including 15 organochlorine pesticides, 17 polychlorinated biphenyls, and 9 polybromodiphenylethers) were measured in the serum at inclusion into the study. We conducted logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders using a directed acyclic graph to study the effect of each POP on DOR as single exposures, and used Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to measure the mixture effect of POPs on DOR. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Of the 43 POPs, 17 were detected in over 20% of the serum samples. In the single-exposure multivariate logistic regressions, p,p'-DDE (median 165.0 IQR 161.0 ng/l in controls) as a continuous exposure was significantly associated with an increased risk of DOR (odds ratio (OR) 1.39, 95% CI 1.10-1.77) and non-significantly associated with an increased risk of DOR for the second and third terciles (OR 1.46, 95% CI 0.74-2.87, and OR 1.72, 95% CI 0.88-3.37, respectively). ß-HCH (median 24.2 IQR 21.5 ng/l in controls) was significantly associated with a decreased risk of DOR when ß-HCH was treated as a continuous exposure (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.44-0.89) and for the third tercile of exposure (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21-0.84) and non-significantly associated with a decreased risk of DOR for the second tercile (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.42-1.42). All sensitivity analyses confirmed our results. BKMR showed similar associations for single exposures but found no significant associations for the total mixture effect. In addition, the BKMR results did not suggest any interactions between POPs. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Controls were recruited amongst infertile couples and thus may not be representative of all women of reproductive age. However, their POP concentrations were in the same range as in the general French population. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: This study is the first to examine the associations between serum POPs and DOR. The well-recognized anti-androgenic properties of p,p'-DDE and estrogenic properties of ß-HCH could explain these associations of opposite direction. If these results are replicated elsewhere, this could have an impact on fertility prevention messages and help in understanding the impact of POPs on the female reproductive system. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was funded by the Fondation de France (grant numbers 2014-50537 and 00110196) and the French Biomedicine Agency (2016). None of the authors have any conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and antibodies persistence among health care workers after the first COVID-19 wave in nine hospitals in Western France.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence rate in healthcare workers (HCWs) from Western France after the first 2020 wave, its determinants and the kinetics of total SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Overall, 9,453 HCWs responded to a self-questionnaire and underwent a lateral flow immunoassay to assess SARS-CoV-2 IgG presence. For 72 HCWs who tested positive, total anti-nucleocapsid antibodies were assessed at day 0, 30, and 90. RESULTS: SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence rate was 1.06 % [0.86 %-1.27 %]. Factors associated with IgG presence were gender, performing upper respiratory tract samples, contact with HCWs or household members diagnosed with COVID-19. Total antibodies decreased between day 0 and day 90, with anosmia or ageusia, and were higher in HCWs older than 50 years. CONCLUSION: We reported a low prevalence rate of IgG and identified several risk factors associated with its presence and persistence of total antibodies. Additional studies are needed to confirm these observations.

Determinants of the willingness to get the third COVID-19 vaccine dose among health care workers.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the willingness to get the third COVID-19 vaccine dose among health care workers (HCWs). METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire proposed on a voluntary basis to all HCWs of a French teaching hospital in October and November 2021. RESULTS: Of 1,655 HCWs who completed the questionnaire, 64.2% were willing to receive the third dose, 20.1% were hesitant, and 15.7% were reluctant. On multivariate analysis, older age (P<0.0001), medical and executive staff, willingness to receive the flu vaccine (OR=5.72 [4.24-7.64]), previous vaccine scheme with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AstraZeneca) (OR=2.13 [1.58-2.87]), and history of COVID-19 with a complete COVID-19 vaccine scheme (OR=2.77 [1.04-7.41]) were independent predictors of HCWs' willingness to get the third dose. CONCLUSIONS: One third of HCWs were hesitant or opposed to a third COVID-19 vaccine dose. Better knowledge of determinants of the willingness to get this third dose may improve communication and vaccine strategy.

Maternal occupational exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during pregnancy and semen parameters in adulthood: results of a nationwide cross-sectional study among Swiss conscripts.

STUDY QUESTION: Is there a relationship between maternal occupational exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during pregnancy and the semen quality of their sons? SUMMARY ANSWER: Our results suggest an association between maternal occupational exposure to potential EDCs, especially to pesticides, phthalates and heavy metals, and a decrease in several semen parameters. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Sexual differentiation, development and proper functioning of the reproductive system are largely dependent on steroid hormones. Although there is some animal evidence, studies on maternal exposure to EDCs during pregnancy and its effect on the semen quality of sons are scarce and none have focused on maternal occupational exposure. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A cross-sectional study aiming to evaluate semen quality was carried out among Swiss conscripts aged 18 to 22 years between 2005 and 2017. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Conscript and parent questionnaires were completed prior to the collection of a semen sample. Semen parameters were categorised according to the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). Data on maternal employment during pregnancy were provided by the parent questionnaire. Maternal occupational exposure to potential EDC categories was defined using a job-exposure matrix (JEM). Logistic regressions were used to analyse the relationship between maternal occupational exposure to EDCs and each semen parameter adjusted for potential confounding factors. Results are presented using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: In total, 1,737 conscripts provided a conscript and parent questionnaire, as well as a semen sample; among these 1,045 of their mothers worked during pregnancy. Our study suggests an association between occupational exposure of mothers during pregnancy to potential EDCs and low semen volume and total sperm count, particularly for exposure to pesticides (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.11-3.86 and OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.05-4.35), phthalates (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.10-3.37 and OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.01-3.55), and heavy metals (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.14-3.60 and OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.21-4.35). Maternal occupational exposure to heavy metals was additionally associated with a low sperm concentration (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.06-3.37). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Several limitations should be noted, such as the indirect method for maternal occupational exposure assessment during the pregnancy (JEM) and the cross-sectional design of the study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our observations reinforce the need to inform pregnant women of potential hazards during pregnancy that could impair their child's fertility. Additional studies are needed to confirm the involvement of EDCs. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This work was supported by the Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology: SCAHT and the 'Fondation privée des Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève'. The collection of human biological material used for this study was supported by the FABER Foundation, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF): NFP 50 'Endocrine Disruptors: Relevance to Humans, Animals and Ecosystems', the Medical Services of the Swiss Army (DDPS) and Medisupport. The authors declare they have no competing financial interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Overexpression of certain transient receptor potential and Orai channels in prostate cancer is associated with decreased risk of systemic recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Several studies had suggested the potential role of calcium signaling in prostate cancer (PCa) prognosis and agressiveness. We aimed to investigate selected proteins contributing to calcium (Ca2+ ) signaling, (Orai, stromal interaction molecule (STIM), and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels) and involved in cancer hallmarks, as independent predictors of systemic recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: A case-control study including 112 patients with clinically localized PCa treated by RP between 2002 and 2009 and with at least 6-years' follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups according to the absence or presence of systemic recurrence. Expression levels of 10 proteins involved in Ca2+ signaling (TRPC1, TRPC4, TRPV5, TRPV6, TRPM8, STIM1, STIM2, Orai1, Orai2, and Orai3), were assessed by immunohistochemistry using tissue microarrays (TMAs) constructed from paraffin-embedded PCa specimens. The level of expression of the various transcripts in PCa was assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. RNA samples for qPCR were obtained from fresh frozen tissue samples of PCa after laser capture microdissection on RP specimens. Relative gene expression was analyzed using the 2-▵▵Ct method. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that increased expression of TRPC1, TRPC4, TRPV5, TRPV6, TRPM8, and Orai2 was significantly associated with a lower risk of systemic recurrence after RP, independently of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, percentage of positive biopsies, and surgical margin (SM) status (P = .007, P = .01, P < .001, P = .0065, P = .007, and P = .01, respectively). For TRPC4, TRPV5, and TRPV6, this association was also independent of Gleason score and pT stage. Moreover, overexpression of TRPV6 and Orai2 was significantly associated with longer time to recurrence after RP (P = .048 and .023, respectively). Overexpression of TRPC4, TRPV5, TRPV6, and Orai2 transcripts was observed in group R- (3.71-, 5.7-, 1.14-, and 2.65-fold increase, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to suggest the independent prognostic value of certain proteins involved in Ca2+ influx in systemic recurrence after RP: overexpression of TRPC1, TRPC4, TRPV5, TRPV6, TRPM8, and Orai2 is associated with a lower risk of systemic recurrence. TRPC4, TRPV5, and TRPV6 appear to be particularly interesting, as they are independent of the five commonly used predictive factors, that is, PSA, percentage of positive biopsies, SM status, Gleason score, and pT stage.

Exercise testing criteria to diagnose lower extremity peripheral artery disease assessed by computed-tomography angiography.

BACKGROUND: The sensitivity and specificity of exercise testing have never been studied simultaneously against an objective quantification of arterial stenosis. Aims were to define the sensitivity and specificity of several exercise tests to detect peripheral artery disease (PAD), and to assess whether or not defined criteria defined in patients suspected of having a PAD show a difference dependent on the resting ABI. METHODS: In this prospective study, consecutive patients with exertional limb pain referred to our vascular center were included. All patients had an ABI, a treadmill exercise-oximetry test, a second treadmill test (both 10% slope; 3.2km/h speed) with post-exercise pressures, and a computed-tomography-angiography (CTA). The receiver-operating-characteristic curve was used to define a cut-off point corresponding to the best area under the curve (AUC; [CI95%]) to detect arterial stenosis ≥50% as determined by the CTA. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients (61+/-11 years-old) were included. Similar AUCs from 0.72[0.63-0.79] to 0.83[0.75-0.89] were found for the different tests in the overall population. To detect arterial stenosis ≥50%, cut-off values of ABI, post-exercise ABI, post-exercise ABI decrease, post-exercise ankle pressure decrease, and distal delta from rest oxygen pressure (DROP) index were ≤0.91, ≤0.52, ≥43%, ≥20mmHg and ≤-15mmHg, respectively (p<0.01). In the subset of patients with an ABI >0.91, cut-off values of post-exercise ABI decrease (AUC = 0.67[0.53-0.78]), and DROP (AUC = 0.67[0.53-0.78]) were ≥18.5%, and ≤-15mmHg respectively (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Resting ABI is as accurate as exercise testing in patients with exertional limb pain. Specific exercise testing cut-off values should be used in patients with normal ABI to diagnose PAD.

Semen quality of young men in Switzerland: a nationwide cross-sectional population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Sperm counts have been steadily decreasing over the past five decades with regional differences in the Western world. The reasons behind these trends are complex, but numerous insights indicate that environmental and lifestyle factors are important players. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate semen quality and male reproductive health in Switzerland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted on 2523 young men coming from all regions of Switzerland, recruited during military conscription. Semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were analyzed. Anatomy of the genital area and testicular volume was recorded. Testicular cancer incidence rates in the general population were retrieved from Swiss regional registries. RESULTS: Median sperm concentration adjusted for period of sexual abstinence was 48 million/mL. Comparing with the 5th percentile of the WHO reference values for fertile men, 17% of men had sperm concentration below 15 million/mL, 25% had less than 40% motile spermatozoa, and 43% had less than 4% normal forms. Disparities in semen quality among geographic regions, urbanization rates, and linguistic areas were limited. A larger proportion of men with poor semen quality had been exposed in utero to maternal smoking. Furthermore, testicular cancer incidence rates in the Swiss general population increased significantly between 1980 and 2014. DISCUSSION: For the first time, a systematic sampling among young men has confirmed that semen quality is affected on a national level. The median sperm concentration measured is among the lowest observed in Europe. No specific geographical differences could be identified. Further studies are needed to determine to what extent the fertility of Swiss men is compromised and to evaluate the impact of environmental and lifestyle factors. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of Swiss young men display suboptimal semen quality with only 38% having sperm concentration, motility, and morphology values that met WHO semen reference criteria.

Exposure of pregnant women to persistent organic pollutants and cord sex hormone levels.

STUDY QUESTION: Is prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) associated with variations of sex hormone levels in cord blood? SUMMARY ANSWER: Prenatal exposure to a number of POPs is associated with a disruption of hormone levels in cord blood, with sex specificities. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Epidemiological studies have reported disorders of reproductive health, in relation with POPs exposure during early life and the endocrine disruption properties of these chemicals have been suggested as possible mechanisms. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A subset of 282 mother-child pairs was selected from the prospective population-based PELAGIE birth cohort (n = 3421, 2002-2006, Brittany, France). Pregnant women were recruited before 19 weeks of gestation and followed until delivery. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Sex hormone levels including sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol (E2), total testosterone (T), free testosterone (fT = T/SHBG) and the aromatase index (AI = T/E2) were measured in 282 cord blood samples. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was measured in male newborns only. Pesticide concentrations of α-endosulfan, ß-hexachlorocyclohexane (ß-HCH), γ-HCH, dieldrin, pp'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), heptachlor epoxide (HCE), as well as PCBs (congeners 153, 187 and the sum of anti-estrogenic PCBs 118, 138, and 170) and decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE209) were also measured in cord blood. Associations between sex hormones and POPs exposure were explored using multiple linear regressions adjusted for potential confounders. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: High PCB levels were associated with an increase of SHBG (P-trend < 0.01) and AMH (P-trend < 0.05) and a decrease of fT (P-trend < 0.05) and AI (P-trend < 0.01). High pesticide levels, particularly α-endosulfan and HCE, were associated with an increase of SHBG (P < 0.05) and E2 (P < 0.01) and a decrease of fT (P < 0.05) and AI (P < 0.01). Several of these associations were stronger, or specific, among male or female newborns. The associations were not altered in the sensitivity analyses. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The study population was of relatively small sample size, and some compounds rarely detected in cord blood. The high level of correlation between POPs makes it difficult to identify the most contributing POPs. Hormone measurements were performed at birth (in cord blood) and may not adequately represent the infant endocrine system. Multiple statistical testing may have led to false-positive associations. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our results are in discordance with those reported in the only published study of the kind but in accordance with studies about prenatal exposure to other endocrine disruptors such as phthalates. These findings may help understanding the pathways involved in adverse reproductive outcomes associated with POPs exposure. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: The PELAGIE cohort is funded by Inserm, French Ministry of Health, French Ministry of Labor, InVS, ANR, ANSES, and French Ministry of Ecology. None of the authors has any competing interest to declare.

Occupational factors for mood and anxiety disorders among junior medical doctors.

UNLABELLED: Junior doctors are exposed to multiple occupational risks. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors and protective factors for mood and anxiety disorders among junior doctors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study via an anonymous online questionnaire between October 2011 and June 2012. All the junior doctors in our faculty were included. The questionnaire inquired about demographic and health data. It contained four validated scales: the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the Spielberger anxiety questionnaire, the WHO quality of life (WHO - QOL) questionnaire and the Job Content Questionnaire. Finally, it sought to clarify the conditions of professional practice and the interactions between university programmes and junior doctorate students (change of specialty, pregnancy, leave of absence, etc.). RESULTS: 192 juniors doctors participated in the study, 68.2% of whom were women. Out of the group, 13.0% presented a depressive syndrome, while 28.7% presented an anxiety disorder, 32.8% were experiencing Job Strain and 29.7% Iso Strain. The risk factor for anxiety was competition between junior doctors: OR=4.23 (1.06 ‒ 16.82). The protective factors for mood disorders were the help provided by senior physicians and the respect shown by patients: OR=0.21 (0.06-0.74) and 0.20 (0.06-0.75), respectively. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the impact of the relationships with senior physicians and patients on junior doctors' health at work. Consequently, prevention should not be focused uniquely on work organization, but should increase physicians' awareness of the importance of this relationship.

Accidental out-of-hospital deliveries: a case-control study.

AIM: To determine risk factors for accidental out-of-hospital deliveries (OHDs), which represent 0.5% of live births in France and are associated with poor neonatal outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study assessed accidental OHDs that occurred in the Finistère District (Brittany, France) between January 2007 and December 2009. For each OHD case, two controls were randomly selected. Outcome measures included maternal demographics, obstetric characteristics and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: During the study period, accidental OHDs accounted for 0.42% of all births; 76 accidental OHDs were included in the analysis. Multivariate analysis found four independent risk factors for accidental OHD: multiparity [OR: 8.84 (3.22-24.29)], unemployment [OR: 4.99 (1.85-13.47)], lack of or poor antenatal care [OR: 9.00 (2.41-33.72)] and a travel time >45 min from home to the delivery unit [OR: 6.18 (1.33-28.65) versus < 15 min]. Significantly more newborns from the OHD group required admission to the neonatal unit (p = 0.04), but accidental OHD was not significantly associated with prematurity or low birth weight. CONCLUSION: Four risk factors for accidental OHD were identified. Setting up an anonymous registry of OHD cases could improve our knowledge and screening of women at risk.

A survey of medical and paramedical involvement in children with cerebral palsy in Britanny: preliminary results.

AIM: To describe the amount of medical and paramedical involvement in a sample of Breton children with cerebral palsy as a function of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a transversal descriptive study. All children with cerebral palsy in Brittany were eligible. Parents who accepted to participate were asked to fill in a questionnaire regarding medical and paramedical involvement with their child. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-three parents participated. 40.6% of the children were level I on the GMFCS, 20.3% II, 12.03% III, 13.53% IV and 13.53% were level V. Thirty-nine percent of the children took at least one medication (of which 43% were antiepileptic drugs). 33.1% of the children had received at least one injection of botulinum toxin within the year. Forty-four percent used a mobility aid. Eighty-five percent of the children had at least one orthotic device, most often a night ankle-foot orthosis. The median number of rehabilitation sessions per week was 3.85 [0.5-11.5]. The frequency and type of sessions were mostly related to the GMFCS level. CONCLUSION: This study reports high levels of medical and paramedical involvement. Studies must attempt to define optimal practice.

[Predictive factors for pain in technical dermatological procedures]. / Facteurs prédictifs de la douleur dans les gestes techniques dermatologiques.

BACKGROUND: Technical procedures in dermatology are painful. AIM: The aim of the study was to determine predictive factors for pain in such procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This observational study evaluated pain by means of a numerical pain rating scale and a questionnaire about the circumstances of the pain and the use of analgesic methods. Data were analysed using Excel and SAS software. RESULTS: Five hundred and forty-six questionnaires were analysed. Among the patients, 45.4% had mild pain, 34.5% moderate pain and 20.1% severe pain. The least painful procedures were cryotherapy, surgical excision and biopsy, debridement and curettage. Procedures causing moderate to severe pain were treatments involving laser and lights as well as injections (hyaluronic acid, intralesional corticosteroids, botulinum toxin). Pain scores were higher for procedures involving fingers, toes and armpits, while the least painful areas were the trunk and limbs. Among the patients, 62.5% had no preventive analgesia before the procedure, 37.5% had preventive analgesia and 34.2% underwent local or topical anaesthesia (3.7% by cold, 2.0% by oral premedication, 0.5% by hypnosis and 0.4% by nitrous oxide). CONCLUSION: Awareness of predictive factors for pain could allow better use of analgesic methods to offer the patient relief and improve the quality of the procedure.

Association of vitamin D deficiency and anemia in a hospitalized geriatric population: denutrition as a confounding factor.

This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D deficiency and anemia in a hospitalized geriatric population. An observational study, at the acute care geriatric unit of Brest Hospital, France, was conducted among 226 patients aged ≥70 years consecutively hospitalized between January 22, 2010 and August 9, 2010. Vitamin D and hemoglobin levels were measured. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a 25(OH)D level <50 nmol/L and anemia as defined by the World Health Organization. After adjustment for albuminemia, anemia was not significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency (odds ratio (OR) = 1.37; 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.72-2.6). But anemia was significantly associated with hypoalbuminemia (OR = 2.08; 95 % CI = 1.11-3.91). Denutrition reflected by hypoalbuminemia could be a possible confounding factor in the previously described association between anemia and vitamin D deficiency.

Outbreak of extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in an intensive care unit (Brest).

INTRODUCTION: We had for aim to describe control and investigation of an outbreak caused by a strain of Extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in intensive care units of the Brest teaching hospital. PATIENTS AND METHOD: The case definition was a patient infected by or carrying the epidemic strain. Control measures and investigations are presented. A case-control study was conducted in the surgical intensive care unit. Each case was matched with two controls based on admission times in the unit. The study focused on diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and potential contacts with healthcare workers, in this context of cross transmission. RESULTS: Between February and May 2011, nine cases were reported in the surgical ICU and two in the medical ICU. Eighteen controls were matched with the nine surgical ICU cases. Several factors were found to be statistically associated with infection or colonization by the epidemic strain: the surgical block in which patients had been operated and the ward of first hospitalization; the number of trans-esophageal and trans-thoracic echocardiographies, of central venous catheter insertions, and of surgical operations; intubation. The total number of invasive procedures was also found to be statistically higher among cases. CONCLUSION: This study identified factors associated with colonization or infection by the epidemic strain. These factors might have been involved in the transmission tree, and be vulnerable elements for the prevention of nosocomial infections and colonisations, and their epidemic spread.

Investigation and management of an imipenem-resistant oxa-23 Acinetobacter baumannii outbreak in an intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVES: The study objectives were to describe the investigation and management of an imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii outbreak that occurred in the 15-bed ICU of a tertiary care teaching hospital (Brest, France), during the summer 2008. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients harboring an imipenem-resistant A. baumannii strain were defined as case patients. We described case occurrence and steps taken to control the outbreak: contact isolation, reinforcement of hygiene procedures, unit shutdown decision, unit disinfection, and reopening. We also made a case control study and a cost analysis of the outbreak management. RESULTS: During a 10-day period, five patients were positive for a single clone of imipenem-resistant oxa-23 A. baumannii. Four patients presented with ventilation-acquired pneumonia and one was asymptomatic. The first two patients died one day after the first swab which led to the identification of A. baumannii. No additional case was noted in the ICU or in other hospital units after deciding to close the ICU. The cost of outbreak management was estimated at 264,553 euros. The case control study identified several factors associated with infection or colonization: length of stay in the ICU, chronic respiratory disease, number of previous antibiotic classes used, duration of ventilation, prone position, echocardiography, and presence of a nasogastric tube. CONCLUSION: This outbreak occurred during the summer period requiring the shutdown of the ICU and inducing a considerable cost. Rapid reactions of the ICU staff during the outbreak enabled to limit the epidemic.

[Microbiological investigation of endoscopes at Brest Hospital over a period from 2007 to 2009]. / Contrôles microbiologiques des endoscopes au centre hospitalier régional de Brest du 1(er) janvier 2007 au 31 décembre 2009.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of disinfection of endoscopes at Brest hospital over a period from 2007 to 2009. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of microbiological investigations of endoscopes done at Brest hospital from 2007 to 2009. The interpretation of the microbiological investigations is based on the recommendations of the Comité technique national des infections nosocomiales et infections liées aux soins (CTINILS) of 2007. RESULTS: Most of the controls realized over the period deal with gastroenterological endoscopes (63.4 %) and bronchial endoscopes (21.8 %). Most of the controls (66.8 %) are conformed to the target level. Only 26.7 % of the controls get the level of action. Globally, the rate of level of action significantly increases (p=0.004) from 2007 (21.2 %) to 2009 (35.6 %). This increase is relatively important in gastroenterology endoscopy (46.8 % in 2009 versus 24.1 % in 2007) whereas the rate decreases in bronchial endoscopy (14.8 % in 2009 versus 25.9 % in 2007). In gastroenterological endoscopy, rates vary with the type of endoscopes and the context of controls, but there is no significant difference between manual disinfection and automated disinfection. The most frequent germ found in gastroenterological and bronchial endoscopies is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CONCLUSION: Our results show that it is very difficult to insure a perfect disinfection of endoscopes. Difficulties met are certainly related with the complexity of the endoscopes and of the techniques of disinfection. Infections of patients are very infrequent in endoscopy, which takes the question of the pertinence of the threshold used for microbiological investigations.